High school teachers nationwide to enhance skills at ASU training program

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Thirty-five high school journalism teachers from around the country will enhance their skills at Arizona State University this month, in a training program funded by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation and operated by the American Society of News Editors.

In its seventh year at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the two-week Reynolds High School Journalism Institute immerses teachers in specialized skills such as writing, editing, reporting, multimedia, layout and photojournalism. It also provides grounding in professional ethics, news literacy, the First Amendment and scholastic press freedom.

Participants, many from underrepresented high schools, are supplied with housing, meals, continuing-education credit and instructional materials free of charge.

The boot camp-style workshop is taught by Steve Elliott, director of digital news for the Cronkite School’s professional reporting program Cronkite News Service. Elliott said teachers consistently describe the Reynolds Institute as a once-in-a-lifetime experience that enhances their skills and builds lasting professional contacts.

“In addition to helping these teachers develop the next generation of journalists, this institute leads to more engaged and informed campuses back home through more vibrant student news outlets,” Elliott said.

The Reynolds High School Journalism Institute will take place in the Cronkite School’s state-of-the-art media complex in downtown Phoenix from June 16 to 28. The other Reynolds Institutes are at Kent State University; University of Missouri at Columbia; University of Nevada at Reno; and University of Texas at Austin.

The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation is a philanthropic organization founded in 1954 by the late media entrepreneur for whom it is named. Headquartered in Las Vegas, it has committed more than $150 million to journalism initiatives nationally.

The American Society of News Editors focuses on leadership development and journalism-related issues. Founded in 1922 as a nonprofit professional organization, ASNE promotes fair, principled journalism, defends and protects First Amendment rights, and fights for freedom of information and open government. Leadership, innovation, diversity and inclusion in coverage and the journalism work force, youth journalism and the sharing of ideas are also key ASNE initiatives.

ASNE’s Youth Journalism Initiative, launched in 2000, provides journalism-related training and resources for teachers and students across the curriculum. Its goal is for every student to learn why news matters and acquire the skills needed to succeed as 21st Century citizens.